RUMFORD – The Rumford United Methodist Church combined Children’s Sunday and Heritage Sunday during the morning worship on May 18. A skit, written by Jean Hersey on the early history of the Virgin Memorial Chapel, was presented by Naomi and Jim Robertson.

In the skit Minnie and Charles Davis discussed the need for a place of worship in the Virginia section of Rumford and how that might become a reality.

The skit highlighted the beginning of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Virgin Memorial Chapel, which will continue throughout the year at the Rumford church.

As part of the Children’s Day recognition, the children and teachers were presented T-shirts depicting the Virgin Chapel with “Celebrating 100 years of Spirit 1909-2009” across the front.

Activities are planned for each month as part of the centennial celebration and there will be a homecoming weekend in September. In February 2009, the celebration will conclude with a special worship service at the chapel with the Rev. Peter Weaver, bishop of the United Methodist New England Conference, as speaker.